Washaker

A bit of 1/4 inch irrigation tube, a couple of small cable ties, a few washers and some string combine to make a washaker. The washers need to stay somewhat clustered together so they can jingle against each other. The cable ties work as ‘stops’ to keep the washers from spinning around too far to the sides. A length of colorful string is used to bring the ends of the tubing together and form a nice handle.

When playing the ‘washaker’, the washers jingle better if you hold it pointing downward. If you hold it pointing upward, like maracas, the washers tend to spread away from each other. Even the simplest of instruments require some technique!